Harness for attaching camera to user

ABSTRACT

A configurable wrist or arm worn camera harness ( 1   a ) that facilitates convenient carry, access, and secure use of a camera during participation in a physical activity. Camera harness ( 1   a ) is comprised of an adjustable strap system for attaching harness ( 1   a ) to operator wrist or arm and a coupling system for attaching, one at a time, cameras of various shapes and sizes to aforementioned harness ( 1   a ) in a either a manner that allows camera to be moved pivotably while attached to harness ( 1   a ) and operator or in a manner that secures camera in a fixed, non-pivoting position. A clasping system is incorporated to harness ( 1   a ) to secure camera in a first secure flat carry position on operator wrist or arm. Clasping system can be released by operator to allow camera to be pivotably moved upright into a second secure position for the purpose of taking a photograph. Regardless of pivotal orientation of camera or closure state of clasping system or manner of camera attachment to user, harness ( 1   a ) maintains attachment of camera to operator in any event.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/840,426 entitled “Harness System for Attaching Camera toUser” by Nicholas D. Woodman, filed on Aug. 17, 2007, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/220,947 (now U.S.Pat. No. 7,273,321) entitled “Harness System for Attaching Camera toUser” by Nicholas D. Woodman, filed on Sep. 6, 2005, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/777,287 (now U.S.Pat. No. 6,955,484), entitled “Harness System for Attaching Camera toUser,” by Nicholas D. Woodman, filed on Feb. 11, 2004, which is relatedto, and claims priority to under 35 USC § 119(e), U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 60/462,548, entitled “Harness for Attaching Camerato User,” by Nicholas D. Woodman, filed on Apr. 10, 2003, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 60/468,368, also entitled “Harness for AttachingCamera to User,” by Nicholas D. Woodman, filed on May 5, 2003, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 60/473,367 also entitled “Harness forAttaching Camera to User,” by Nicholas D. Woodman, filed on May 23,2003, which the contents of each are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This invention relates to mechanisms for securing devices such as acamera strap, and more specifically, to an improved harness system forattaching a device such as a camera to a human for use during periods ofphysical activity.

2. Description of the Related Arts

The problem of conveniently carrying, accessing, and using a cameraunder various operating conditions has existed since the beginning ofhand-held photography. It has become even more of a problem in recentyears as a growing number of photographers attempt to take actionphotographs while participating in fast-paced physical activities suchas surfing, snorkeling, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting andso on. Activities such as these often leave a photographer withoutpockets, purses, or even enough time to fetch a camera from such a placeif he or she hopes to get a photo of the action while it is occurring.

Even in the event that a photographer is able to quickly access a cameraduring such an activity, an accidental fall or change of circumstancescould make it difficult for the photographer to hold on to the camera.The camera could be damaged, broken or lost altogether in the event thatthe photographer might quickly need both of his or her hands free toensure his or her safety. It is possible that people would take morephotographs, and even better photographs, during their favorite physicalactivities if there was a convenient way for them to carry, quicklyaccess, and then securely use a camera at such a time.

Another problem with taking photographs during fast-paced physicalactivities is the question of what to do with the camera after aphotograph has been taken. For example, a surfing photographer taking aphotograph of a breaking wave might quickly need his or her hands freeto push their surfboard under the wave after taking the photograph.Perhaps a rafting photographer wants to photograph the harrowing view ofthe rapids just before entering them, but he or she might immediatelythereafter need both hands free to brace themselves or to steer theraft. In either case, the photographer may not have enough time tosecurely store the camera after taking a photograph.

Additionally, the photographer might just prefer to have the cameraimmediately out of the way so that he or she can enjoy the givenactivity without the hassle of stowing their camera. Whatever thecircumstance, there is currently no solution that solves the problemsassociated with conveniently carrying, quickly accessing, securely usingand then quickly stowing a camera during periods of physical activitysuch as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, rafting, etc.

There have been attempts to provide a solution to these problems. Foryears, rubber bands and wrist or neck ropes have been included with newcameras in an effort to provide the photographer with a convenient wayto carry the camera. While this may suffice for a walk in the park,surfing a wave or rafting the rapids with a camera swinging wildly fromone's wrist or neck is a less than ideal or safe way to carry a camerawhile participating in such an activity. Either the photographer, thecamera, or people nearby may be harmed by the swinging camera.

The camera could be easily lost if the photographer is unable toadequately clutch the rubber band or nylon strap draped around theirwrist. And while this method of carrying a camera does provide forimmediate access to the camera, it unfortunately does not allow the userto have both hands free for participating in the given activity when thecamera is not needed. In this way, a simple rubber band or nylon strapsolution handicaps the photographer's participation in and enjoyment ofthe given activity and to a certain extent sacrifices their own safetyand the safety of the camera.

Hence, conventional devices or solutions fail to provide adequate meansfor a photographer to conveniently carry, access, securely hold and use,and then quickly stow away a camera while participating in a physicalactivity. Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows forcarrying a camera in a further secured position, provides quick accessto for holding and using the camera while still remaining secured to theuser, and then quickly stowing the camera into the aforementionedfurther secured position.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a harness for attaching a camera to auser's body, for example, an appendage (or portion thereof) such as anarm, wrist, leg, or angle, in a manner that allows for the camera to bemoved pivotably into various positions for the purpose of convenientcarrying and/or taking a photograph while engaged in a physicalactivity. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, as thecamera is moved in any pivoted orientation it remains coupled to theharness. Hence, the present invention beneficially allows the camera toremain secured to the appendage of the user even in the event that theuser is unable to use a hand to hold the camera.

In accordance with the present invention, the camera harness allows auser to comfortably, conveniently, and securely carry a camera whileparticipating in a physical activity in a manner which does not handicaptheir participation in the aforementioned activity. The camera harnessalso allows a user to quickly access a camera for use whileparticipating in a physical activity.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the camera harness maybe configured to allow a user to securely hold and pivot a camera intoan upright position which allows them to easily and clearly look throughthe camera's viewfinder or see an LCD screen, while participating in aphysical activity. It is noted that the camera harness allows a user toretain possession of a camera even in the event of an accident or changeof events which forces the user to let go of the camera, whileparticipating in a physical activity. Moreover, the camera harnessallows a user to pivot and quickly re-secure a camera into a furthersecured flat carry position on his or her wrist after taking a photo. Inyet another embodiment of the present invention, the camera harness isalso configured to be small enough to fit in a user's clothing pocket,purse, or other enclosure when it is not being worn or attached to acamera or camera housing. Hence, the camera harness is beneficiallysimple to use, carry, and otherwise transport.

In yet another embodiment, the camera harness maybe configured to beadjustable so that it can be comfortably worn by people of all sizes.The camera harness may also be configured to adapt to, fit and secure awide range of cameras that may range in shape, size, and even type. Thepresent invention may also be configured to have at least a portion ofthe harness system or element thereof be incorporated into a camera bodyor camera housing. In yet another embodiment, the camera harness,including any portion or element of the harness system that may beincorporated into a camera body or camera housing, and may be configuredto attach a camera to a user in either a fixed flat, fixed upright, orfixed partially-upright, non-pivoting position.

In another embodiment, the camera harness, including any portion orelement of the harness system that may be incorporated into a camerabody or camera housing, may be configured to attach a camera to a userin a manner that secures the camera in a first secured position flat totheir arm or wrist, but also allows the user to stretch or pull thecamera into a second secured upright position for the purpose of takinga photograph. Upon the user's release of tension on the camera, thecamera returns to the first secured position flat against the arm orwrist of the user.

The present invention may be configured from a variety of materials. Inone embodiment the camera harness may be configured from commerciallyavailable lightweight structural components including but not limitedto, e.g., nylon, plastic, foam, polypropylene, webbing, rubber,neoprene, rubber, elastic cord, elastic fabric, single or double sidedtape, laminated adhesive, and/or hook and loop fastener (such asVELCRO®), that can be configured in a manner that limits the totalnumber of parts needed to construct the harness, while improvingreliability, durability, simplicity, and lowering the cost ofmanufacturing. Thus, the camera advantageously can be used in a widerange of activities and environments. Moreover, the camera harness canbe beneficially produced in an economical and rapid manner. This shouldallow the present invention to be appealing to all types of consumers,manufacturers and retailers involved in photography. Moreover, thepresent invention allows photographers to become active participants inthe activities or along side the subject matter that they arephotographing, rather than having to take photographs from the sidelinesor from a distance.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not allinclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantageswill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedrawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted thatthe language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selectedto delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention has other advantages and features which will be morereadily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. (“Fig.”) 1 shows a perspective view of the invention in an open andextended position.

FIG. 1 b shows a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 c shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a spring loaded coupling plate.

FIG. 1 d shows a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a tongue of hook material extending from theinvention.

FIG. 1 e shows a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a male clip attached to the invention.

FIG. 1 f shows a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a spring loaded coupling plate and no catch, hook, orhook ring.

FIG. 1 g shows a perspective view of a sixth alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a spring-loaded clip attached to the invention.

FIG. 1 h shows a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a static clip attached to the invention.

FIG. 1 i shows a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a tongue of hook material attached to the invention.

FIG. 1 j shows a perspective view of a ninth alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a tongue of hook material attached to the invention.

FIG. 1 k shows a perspective view of a tenth alternative embodiment ofthe invention with a viewing hole integrated into it.

FIG. 1 l shows a perspective view of an eleventh alternative embodimentof the invention with an attachment pad fastened to it.

FIG. 1 m shows a perspective view of a twelfth alternative embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the invention in a semi-closed orsemi-cinched position.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the invention being worn on the leftwrist of a user.

FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of a user taking a photo while wearingthe invention.

FIG. 3 b shows a perspective view of the invention on the wrist of auser with the camera attached to the invention in an upright positionand not being held by the user.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the harness being worn on theleft wrist of a user.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the hook piece.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the catch piece.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the coupling plate.

FIG. 8 a shows a perspective view of a camera body with a catch pieceintegrated on the top of the camera.

FIG. 8 b shows a perspective view of a camera body with a catch pieceintegrated into the top of the camera body.

FIG. 8 c shows a perspective view of a camera body with an extended barintegrated on the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 d shows a perspective view of a camera body with a recessedgroove and bar integrated into the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 e shows a perspective view of a camera body with a female clipintegrated onto the bottom of the camera body.

FIG. 8 f shows a perspective view of a camera body with an extended barintegrated with the camera body.

FIG. 8 g shows a perspective view of a camera body with an extended barintegrated onto the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 h shows a perspective view of a camera body with a recessedgroove and bar integrated into or onto the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 i shows a perspective view of a camera body with two extendedbars on the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 j shows a perspective view of two recessed groove and barsintegrated into or onto the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 k shows a perspective view of a camera body with an extended barintegrated onto the top back corner of the camera body and secondextended bar integrated onto the bottom back corner of the camera body.

FIG. 8 l shows a perspective view of a camera body with an extended barintegrated onto the top back corner of the camera body and a recessedgroove and bar integrated onto or into the back of the camera body.

FIG. 8 m shows a perspective view of a camera body with three extendedbars integrated onto the camera body.

FIG. 8 n shows a perspective view of a camera body with a hookintegrated onto the top of the camera body.

FIG. 9 a shows a perspective view of a camera housing with the catchpiece integrated on the top of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 b shows a perspective view of a camera housing with the catchpiece integrated into the top of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 c shows a perspective view of a camera housing with an extendedbar integrated on the back of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 d shows a perspective view of a camera housing with a recessedgroove and bar integrated into the back of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 e shows a perspective view of a camera housing with a female clipintegrated onto the bottom of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 f shows a perspective view of a camera housing with an extendedbar integrated with the camera housing.

FIG. 9 g shows a perspective view of a camera housing with an extendedbar integrated onto the back of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 h shows a perspective view of a camera housing with a recessedgroove and bar integrated into or onto the back of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 i shows a perspective view of a camera housing with two extendedbars on the back of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 j shows a perspective view of two recessed groove and barsintegrated into or onto the back of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 k shows a perspective view of a camera housing with an extendedbar integrated onto the top back corner of the camera housing and secondextended bar integrated onto the bottom of the camera housing.

FIG. 9 l shows a perspective view of a camera housing with an extendedbar integrated onto the top back corner of the camera housing and arecessed groove and bar integrated onto or into the back of the camerahousing.

FIG. 9 m shows a perspective view of a camera housing with threeextended bars integrated onto the camera housing.

FIG. 9 n shows a perspective view of a camera housing with a hookintegrated onto the top of the camera housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention includes a camera harness and improved camera bodyand improved camera housing to secure a camera in a first secureposition to a user while the camera is not in use and allowing forpivotably moving the camera into a picture-taking position to take apicture while remaining secured to the camera harness in a second secureposition. Further, the present invention allows for quickly returningthe camera to the first secure position once the user completes takingthe picture. Further still, the present invention includes and allowsfor alternative camera harnesses or straps to be attached to theimproved camera body and or improved camera housing to secure a camerato a user in a fixed first secure position.

General Structural Configuration

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the harness 1 a in an open and extendedposition, revealing all of its parts in full view. The length and mainbody of harness 1 a is made up of two lengths of hook and loop material,loop material 17 and hook material 20, that are joined together to formone unified length of hook and loop material. Loop material 17 and hookmaterial 20 are joined together at union 17 b. The hook and loopfastening sides of both loop material 17 and hook material 20 are facingup in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, union 17 b is an ultrasonicweld, however, union 17 b can be accomplished by any suitable means offastening two lengths of fabric together, including but not limited tosewing, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, binding, and soon.

It is noted that in an alternative embodiment the loop material 17 andthe hook material 20 may be configured to incorporate the functionalitywithin a unitary structure and may not need the union 17 b.Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the material for the length andmain body of harness 1 a is hook and loop material, but any othernatural or synthetic material could be used as an alternative, includingbut not limited to cotton, leather, polypropylene, nylon, rubber,neoprene, plastic and so on.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a tag or a pull tab 21 fastened onto theunderside and end of hook material 20. In a preferred embodiment pulltab 21 is folded or doubled over onto itself and its ends are then sewnonto hook material 20, however, pull tab 21 need not be folded over ontoitself and pull tab 21 need not be sewn on as any suitable means offastening two pieces of fabric together, such as welding, gluing,stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, etc. will work to attach pull tab21 to hook material 20. In a preferred embodiment, pull tab 21 is madeout of polypropylene, however pull tab 21 can be made out of anymaterial including but not limited to cotton, rubber, plastic, nylon,neoprene, ribbon, tape, and so on. In one embodiment, pull tab 21 may beoptionally eliminated from the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a loop, o-shaped ring, or hook ring 18 positioned onloop material 17. The bottom portion of hook ring 18 is held in placeand sandwiched against the top side of loop material 17 by a patch 170that is attached to the topside of loop material 17 at union 170 a andunion 170 b on either side of hook ring 18. Hook ring 18 is free topivot from left to right and vice versa in FIG. 1 due to its unbindingattachment to loop material 17 provided by patch 170. In a preferredembodiment, hook ring 18 is made of rubber, however, hook ring 18 canalternately be made of any other type of material including but notlimited to neoprene, plastic, metal, fibrous material, fabric, orelastic cord, and so on. In one embodiment, hook ring 18 need not befree to pivot. Hook ring 18 may be of any diameter, thickness,resiliency or stretchiness and may be composed of a variety of materialsor components to retain desired stretch and or attachmentcharacteristics. Additionally, hook ring 18 may be of any shape otherthan that of a ring.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, patch 170 is made of hook andloop material, specifically loop material, however, any material,natural or synthetic, including but not limited to hook material,cotton, polypropylene, nylon, rubber, neoprene, or plastic, etc. couldbe used as an alternative material for patch 170. Additionally, patch170 can be omitted and hook ring 18 can be sewn directly onto loopmaterial 17. In a preferred embodiment, hook ring 18 is an o-shapedring, however any shape can serve as a substitute shape for hook ring18, including but not limited to a square ring, D-shaped ring, ortriangle-shaped ring.

Additionally, a strip or plurality of strips of any material includingbut not limited to hook and loop material, nylon, rubber, rubber bands,polypropylene, neoprene, plastic and so on can serve as a substitute forhook ring 18. In a preferred embodiment, union 170 a and union 170 b areultrasonic welds, however any suitable means of fastening two pieces offabric together, such as sewing, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing,tacking, binding, etc. would work as an alternative. Additionally, in apreferred embodiment, the bottom of hook ring 18 and patch 170 arepositioned on the topside of hook material 17 in FIG. 1, but the bottomsof both hook ring 18 and patch 170 can be positioned and fastened toloop material 17 on the bottom side of loop material 17 as analternative.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cinching loop or square ring 14 and a base plate orcoupling plate 10 (FIG. 7) attached to the left end of loop material 17.This is accomplished by folding the end of loop material 17 around andthrough a pivot channel 10 e (FIG. 7) located on coupling plate 10 andthrough square ring 14. The end of loop material 17 is then folded backunder and onto itself on the underside of loop material 17 and isfastened to itself at union 17 a. The fold created by folding loopmaterial 17 back under onto itself forms a hinge point or a pivot sleeve15 that both attaches square ring 14 and coupling plate 10 to loopmaterial 17 in a manner that allows square ring 14 and coupling plate 10to move pivotably. In one embodiment, square ring 14 need not be able tomove pivotably.

In FIG. 1, square ring 14 is positioned underneath coupling plate 10. Ina preferred embodiment, square ring 14 is made of plastic, however,square ring 14 can be alternately made, molded, machined, or otherwisemanufactured out of any other natural or synthetic material includingbut not limited to different types of plastic, rubber, metal, fabric,alloy, composite, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, coupling plate 10 is made of rubber, howevercoupling plate 10 can be alternately made, molded, machined, orotherwise manufactured out of any other natural or synthetic materialincluding but not limited to different types of plastic, rubber, metal,fabric, alloy, etc. In a preferred embodiment, coupling plate 10 ismolded as one piece, however coupling plate 10 can alternately bemolded, made or otherwise manufactured as a plurality of pieces that arethen attached together by any reasonable means to form coupling plate10. Note that the coupling plate 10 is semi-rigid although alternativelyit may also be either rigid or flexible.

In a preferred embodiment, union 17 a is an ultrasonic weld, however,any suitable means of fastening two pieces of fabric together includingbut not limited to hook and loop fastening, sewing, gluing, stapling,riveting, sealing, tacking, binding, etc. would work as an alternative.In a preferred embodiment, pivot sleeve 15 is made from a fold in loopmaterial 17, however, pivot sleeve 15 can be made, machined, molded, orotherwise manufactured from any type of material including but notlimited to different types of plastic, rubber, metal, fabric, and so on,whereby the alternate material is then attached to the end of loopmaterial 17 by any means suitable for attaching two pieces of materialtogether, including but not limited to welding, sewing, gluing,stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, etc.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrate rings, bands, or coupling band 10 a andcoupling band 10 b protruding from coupling plate 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 showcoupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b stretching around the body ofa camera. In a preferred embodiment, coupling band 10 a and couplingband 10 b are molded as a part of coupling plate 10 and are made ofrubber, however, coupling plate 10, coupling band 10 a, and couplingband 10 b can be alternately made, molded, machined, or otherwisefabricated as a single part or separate parts made of any materialincluding but not limited to cord, neoprene, hook and loop material, anytype of rubber, nylon, elastic synthetic fiber (such as LYCRA®), and soon. Additionally, coupling plate 10, coupling band 10 a, and couplingband 10 b may be of any color, thickness, size, durometer, flexibilityor rigidity to accommodate cameras of varying type, size and shape.

In one embodiment, coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b aredescribed as rings with closed loop shapes, whereas as both couplingband 10 a and coupling band 10 b can have alternative shapes includingbut not limited to square shapes, oval shapes, elliptical shapes, or canbe open lengths of any material including but not limited to hook andloop material, rubber, neoprene, nylon adhesive tape, adhesive material,and so on. Further, coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b may befabricated as a single part with coupling plate 10, but alternativelycoupling bands 10 a and 10 b can be fabricated as a single separate partor as a plurality of separate parts from coupling plate 10 in which casethey can snap to or in any other way attach to coupling plate 10.

In a preferred embodiment, coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b areboth present, however, an alternative embodiment can include only asingle coupling band 10 a or a single coupling band 10 b. Additionally,coupling plate 10 can be made in a plurality of pieces that sandwicharound coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b during the assembly ofcoupling plate 10. In a preferred embodiment coupling plate 10 is madeof rubber, but alternatively coupling plate 10 can be made of anymaterial including but not limited to plastic, fabric, neoprene, acomposite, or metal.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a clasp or catch piece 13 attached to thetop area of coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b. FIG. 6 shows aperspective view of catch piece 13. Catch piece 13 has a recessed cavityor catch cradle 13 d in the front center of its body to receive a hookend 19 b (FIG. 5) of a mating clasp or hook piece 19 (FIG. 5). Themating of catch piece 13 and hook piece 19 keep the camera in a firstsecured position. As an alternative embodiment, catch cradle 13 d can beomitted from catch piece 13 and a hollow pass-through or channel canserve as a substitute resulting in catch piece 13 having a hollowpass-through center.

Catch piece 13 is attached to coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 bby stretching coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b to first reducethe cross section diameters of coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 bso as to allow coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b to then bepulled into anchor groove 13 a (FIG. 6) and anchor groove 13 b (FIG. 6)via a groove channel 13 c (FIG. 6) that runs laterally across theunderside of catch piece 13, as does anchor groove 13 a and anchorgroove 13 b. Once coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b arepositioned within anchor grooves 13 a and 13 b and are no longer beingstretched, the cross section diameters of coupling band 10 a andcoupling band 10 b will expand within anchor grooves 13 a and 13 bresulting in coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b being firmlyattached to catch piece 13.

In one embodiment, catch piece 13 may be made of a rigid orsubstantially rigid material, e.g., a plastic. Alternatively, catchpiece 13 may be made, molded, machined, or otherwise manufactured out ofany other material including, but not limited to, different types ofplastic, rubber, metal, alloy, composites and so on. Additionally, inone embodiment groove channel 13 c, groove anchor 13 a, and grooveanchor 13 b are positioned on the underside of catch piece 13.

Alternatively, groove channel 13 c, groove anchor 13 a, and grooveanchor 13 b can be positioned either on the front, back or top-side ofcatch piece 13. Additionally, anchor grooves 13 a and 13 b can each havetheir own individual groove channel 13 c, creating a plurality of groovechannel 13 c, rather than sharing a single groove channel 13 c, forexample, as illustrated. Alternately, catch piece 13 can have onlyanchor groove 13 a and not include anchor groove 13 b. Any combinationof these alternatives for anchor groove 13 a and anchor groove 13 b andgroove channel 13 c can be positioned in any combination either on thetop, bottom, side or sides, and or front or back of catch piece 13.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10b and catch piece 13 are separate elements that are attached together tofunction as a single unit, whereas alternatively, coupling band 10 a andcoupling band 10 b and catch piece 13 can be made, molded, machined, orotherwise fabricated as one single part or element, separate or incombination with coupling plate 10, possibly eliminating the need forgroove channel 13 c, groove anchor 13 a, and groove anchor 13 b. Afurther alternative provides that coupling band 10 a and coupling band10 b and catch piece 13 and coupling plate 10 can be made, molded,machined, or otherwise fabricated as one single part or element.Additionally, catch piece 13 can be molded or otherwise fabricated as aplurality of separate parts that sandwich around and hold in placecoupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b when joined.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a hook piece 19 attached to the top end ofhook ring 18. FIG. 3 shows hook piece 19 hooked into, mated, or claspingcatch piece 13. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of hook piece 19. Hookpiece 19 is attached to hook ring 18 by stretching hook ring 18 toreduce the cross section diameter of hook ring 18 and then pulling hookring 18 into a cut out channel or anchor groove 19 a located on hookpiece 19. Once hook ring 18 is positioned within anchor groove 19 a(FIG. 5) and hook ring 18 is no longer being stretched, the crosssection diameter of hook ring 18 expands within anchor groove 19 a tofirmly attach hook ring 18 to hook piece 19. In a preferred embodiment,hook piece 19 is made of molded plastic, however, hook piece 19 canalternately be made, molded, machined, or otherwise manufactured out ofany other material including but not limited to different types ofplastic, rubber, fabric, metal, alloy, hook and loop material, and soon.

In a preferred embodiment, hook ring 18 is attached to hook piece 19 bybeing sandwiched inside of anchor groove 19 a, but an alternative tothis is to clamp, glue, melt, weld, stitch, sew, bend, tie, rivet or inany other appropriate way attach hook piece 19 to hook ring 18.Furthermore, anchor groove 19 a is situated on the underside of hook 19whereas an alternate location is to position anchor groove 19 a on thetop side or back end of hook piece 19. Additionally, hook piece 19 andhook ring 18 are fabricated as separate elements, however hook piece 19and hook ring 18 can be fabricated, molded, machined, fabricated orotherwise made as one single part or element. One embodiment might havehook 19, or a part with a similar purpose, attached directly to loopmaterial 17 without hook ring 18.

As another alternative embodiment, hook ring 18 and hook piece 19 can bereplaced with a single strip or plurality of strips of materialincluding but not limited to hook and loop material, neoprene, rubber,plastic, fabric, or a combination thereof that attaches, connects orotherwise mates with catch piece 13, coupling band 10 a and or couplingband 10 b, a camera body or camera housing, or hook and loop materialthat is attached to or otherwise integrated onto or into the body of acamera or a camera housing.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a strip of material, padding, or a comfortstrip 16 attached to the underside of loop material 17. In a preferredembodiment, comfort strip 16 is sewn to the underside of loop material17, but as an alternative, comfort strip 16 can be attached to loopmaterial 17 by any suitable means of fastening two pieces of materialtogether, such as but not limited to gluing, stapling, riveting,sealing, tacking, laminating, binding, etc.

In one embodiment, the material for comfort strip 16 is neoprene, butany other material, fabric, textile or rubber could be used as analternative for neoprene including but not limited to cotton,polypropylene, nylon, rubber, foam, etc. Additionally, comfort strip 16is an included element of harness 1 a, however, as an alternativeembodiment of harness 1 a comfort strip 16 can be excluded from harness1 a. As an additional alternative embodiment, comfort strip 16 and loopmaterial 17 can be combined in the form of a piece of hook and loopfastener (such as VELCRO®) laminated neoprene or other hook and loopfastener (such as VELCRO®) laminated material or may be a unitarystructure that is configured to provide the functionality of loopmaterial 17 and comfort strip 16. An additional embodiment is to reversethe positioning of loop material 17 and hook material 20 so that loopmaterial 17 replaces hook material 20 and vice versa.

FIG. 4 illustrates an optional safety cord or safety band 22 that can beattached to a camera's standard wrist strap attachment point, a featurefound on most cameras of all types. Once attached to the camera, safetyband 22 is then attached to harness 1 a by leading hook material 20through safety band 22 and sandwiching safety band 22 between hookmaterial 20 and loop material 17 when harness 1 a is cinched andfastened around the wrist or arm of the operator. In a preferredembodiment, safety band 22 is an optional element that can be includedor excluded at the operator's discretion. As an alternative to thepreferred embodiment, safety band 22 can be an integrated element ofharness 1 a. Also in one embodiment, safety band 22 is a rubber band,although any band or strip of any other material could be used as analternative.

Operation and Functionality

One embodiment for using harness 1 a in accordance with the presentinvention is now described, for example, from a perspective of a user(or operator) attaching a camera to his or her left arm or wrist. It isnoted that the process and principle described herein may apply to anyother appendage or item to which the camera harness 1 a attaches.

The operator of harness 1 a first stretches coupling band 10 a andcoupling band 10 b around a camera's body so that catch piece 13 ispositioned on top of the camera, for example, in a position like thatshown in FIGS. 3, 3 a, and 3 b. Catch cradle 13 d should be facing thesame direction as the camera lens. The operator positions the cameralens in the middle of coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b byadjusting, stretching, or moving coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10b to either side of the camera lens, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3 a.

The user can make the same adjustments to the areas of coupling band 10a and coupling band 10 b positioned on the back of the camera toposition the camera's viewfinder in between or to the side of couplingband 10 a and coupling band 10 b. The exact positioning of the camerainside coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b, or rather thepositioning of coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b around thecamera body, is variable to allow cameras of various shapes, sizes, anddimensions to fit into a single version of harness 1 a.

Once the operator has secured the camera within coupling band 10 a andcoupling band 10 b he or she then drapes harness 1 a across his or herleft arm, at or above the wrist, so that the hook and loop fasteningside of harness 1 a is facing up and pull tab 21 end of harness 1 a isclosest to the operator's body. The operator then feeds pull tab 21 endof harness 1 a through square ring 14 and cinches pull tab 21 end ofharness 1 a until harness 1 a has a desired tension around theoperator's wrist or arm. The operator then fastens hook material 20 toloop material 17 to maintain the desired tension of harness 1 a aroundthe operator's wrist or arm. At this point harness 1 a and the attachedcamera are fastened to the operator's left wrist or arm.

From this point, the operator may grasp the camera with his or her righthand and raises the camera. The operator may, but is not required, tomove his or her left wrist or arm up close to his or her face for thepurpose of looking through the camera's viewfinder to take a photograph,as illustrated in FIG. 3 a. The operator can easily pivot the camerainto an upright position to facilitate looking through the viewfinder,as illustrated in FIG. 3 a. The right hand is in position to hold thecamera and push the camera's shutter button to take a photograph whilethe left arm serves as a support to help hold the camera steady for aclear photographic exposure.

One advantage of the present invention is that in the event the userslips, falls, or otherwise needs both hands immediately free, he or shecan let go of the camera to do what is necessary to ensure their safety.The camera remains attached to harness 1 a and the operator (FIG. 3 b)by way of the camera-to-harness 1 a coupling system comprised ofcoupling band 10 a, coupling band 10 b, coupling plate 10, catch piece13, and pivot sleeve 15.

Once the operator is done taking a photograph and wishes to position thecamera in a secure carry position, he or she can quickly secure thecamera into a flat and stable position on his or her arm or wrist. To dothis, the operator may use his or her right hand to pivot the camerainto a flat position on his or her wrist (FIG. 3) and then may use hisor her right thumb or thumb and index finger, whichever method isdesired, to push or pull hook piece 19 up and into catch piece 13 untilhook end 19 b is mated into catch cradle 13 d. At this point, hook piece19 will be securely mated with catch piece 13. This will secure thecamera in a flat carry position on the operator's arm or wrist.

At this point the operator can freely use their left arm and handwithout upsetting, loosening, or otherwise releasing the camera from itssecure, flat positioning on his or her arm or wrist. If a tighter, moresecure fit is desired, the operator can increase the tension of harness1 a around his or her arm or wrist which will also increase the tensionof hook ring 18 and hook 19 holding the camera down flat against the armor wrist of the operator.

To install safety band 22 (FIG. 4) the operator attaches safety band 22to the camera in the same cinching fashion that he or she would attach astandard rubber band to the attachment bar or loop that is a featuredelement on most cameras. Once safety band 22 is securely cinched to thecamera, the operator unfastens hook material 20 from loop material 17and guides hook material 20 through the open end of safety band 22,pulling safety band 22 close to square ring 14 in the process. Theoperator then refastens hook material 20 to loop material 17,sandwiching safety band 22 between hook material 20 and loop material17, thus securing safety band 22 to harness 1 a, as illustrated in FIG.4.

It is noted that to remove harness 1 a from his or her wrist, theoperator simply unfastens hook material 20 from loop material 17 andslides harness 1 a off of his or her wrist. In addition, to remove thecamera from harness 1 a, the operator simply pulls or stretches couplingband 10 a and coupling band 10 b off of the camera. It is also notedthat although the example above is discussed with respect to particularright and left hand usage, a vice versa operational usage or acombination of appendages (e.g., attach camera harness to leg) and useright or left hand to take picture) is also within the principles of thepresent invention.

ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be designed and operated in a variety ofconfigurations without departing from the spirit and the scope of theinvention. For example, the present invention may be configured in anumber of ways in regards to the size, shape, positioning, orientationand materials of the various elements of the invention. Moreparticularly, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1 b, loop material 17,hook material 20, comfort strip 16, square ring 14, and pull tab 21 canbe replaced with a single sleeve 24 of any material including but notlimited to neoprene, nylon, cotton, rubber, or polypropylene, wherebysingle sleeve 24 is used to attach harness 1 b to the arm or wrist of auser whereby the user slides his or her hand through single sleeve 24and pulls single sleeve 24 and harness 1 b onto his or her wrist or arm.Additionally, single sleeve 24 can have in any way attached to it hookand loop material that serves as a compression strap to increase thetension of single sleeve 24 around the wrist or arm of the user. Thishook and loop compression strap can include a square ring allowing theuser to cinch the hook and loop material and single sleeve 24 tighteraround his or her arm or wrist.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1 c, coupling plate 10 can bereplaced with a spring loaded coupling plate 25, whereby spring loadedcoupling plate 25 has a spring 25 a that applies pressure to springloaded coupling plate 25 in such a manner that spring loaded couplingplate 25 holds whichever camera is being used with harness 1 c in a flatposition against the operator's wrist or arm. The operator can thenapply rotational pressure against the camera and spring loaded couplingplate 25 to compress spring 25, thus pivoting the camera into an uprightposition for taking a photograph.

Upon release of such pressure by the operator, spring 25 would thenforce the camera back into a flat position on the arm or wrist of theoperator, against back plate 25 c, which is attached to both couplingplate 25 and loop material 17. Additionally, the bottom portion ofspring loaded coupling plate 25 can extend to a length similar to thatof back plate 25 c whereby coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 battach to the bottom portion of spring loaded coupling plate 25 in amanner similar to how coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b attachto coupling plate 25 b in FIG. 1 f.

In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 d, coupling plate 10can be replaced with a strip or tongue of hook material 26 that isattached to loop material 17 and can be looped through an extended bar29 or recessed groove and bar 30 on a camera body 28 or camera housing32. Tongue of hook material 26 would then be folded back and mated withloop material 17, thus attaching camera body 28 or camera housing 32 toharness 1 d in a manner that would allow camera body 28 or camerahousing 32 to be moved pivotably while attached to harness 1 d.Additionally, one end of tongue of hook material can be sewn, welded orotherwise attached to pivot sleeve 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 e, coupling plate 10 can be replaced with amale buckle or male clip 27 that could be clipped into a mating femaleclip 31 integrated into camera body 28 or camera housing 32, therebyattaching camera body 28 or camera housing 32 to harness 1 e in a mannerthat allows camera body 28 or camera housing 32 to be moved pivotablywhile attached to harness 1 e. Alternately, male clip 27 as illustratedin FIG. 1 e can be substituted with female clip 31 and female clip 31 oncamera body 28 can be substituted with male clip 27. Any type of male orfemale clip, connector or union can be used as a substitute and theillustration in FIG. 1 e is only for example reference. Alternatively,male clip 27 and female clip 31 can be substituted with joining partssimilar to those used to attach a wristwatch band to a watch piece, forexample, a magnetic resistance.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 f, coupling plate 10 can be replaced with aspring loaded coupling plate 25 b whereby coupling band 10 a andcoupling band 10 b attach to spring loaded coupling plate 25 b, asillustrated. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1 g, coupling plate 10 canbe replaced with a spring loaded clip 33 that can be attached or clippedto a camera body or housing. Additionally, the spring loaded clip can beattached to a recessed groove and bar 30 (FIG. 8 d) or an extended bar29 (FIG. 8 c) on a camera body or camera housing. As an alternative,spring loaded clip 33 can be held closed with something other than aspring, for example, a magnetic resistance.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 h, coupling plate 10 can be replaced with astatic clip 34 that can be attached or clipped to a camera body orhousing. Additionally, the spring loaded clip can be attached to arecessed groove and bar 30 (FIG. 8 d) or an extended bar 29 (FIG. 8 c)on a camera body or camera housing. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1 n,coupling plate 10 can be replaced with a tongue of hook material 26 thatis sewn, welded, or otherwise attached to loop material 17 at or nearpivot sleeve 15. The hook side of tongue of hook material 26 is facingdown in FIG. 1 i and can be pushed through an extended bar 29 orrecessed groove and bar 30 on a camera body or camera housing and thenmated with loop material 17 to secure a camera or a camera housing toharness 1 i in a manner that allows the camera body or camera housing tobe moved pivotably while attached to harness 1 i. It is noted that thecamera body is rigid or substantially rigid. The camera housing may berigid, substantially rigid, flexible (e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene,elastic synthetic fiber (such as LYCRA®) or the like) or substantiallyflexible.

In an alternative embodiment, tongue of hook material 26 can be replacedwith a tongue of loop material. Alternatively, tongue of hook material26 can have a button attached to it that mates with a mating button thatis attached to either a camera body, a camera housing, or loop material17. Alternatively, tongue of hook material 26 can have one side coatedwith an adhesive that attaches to a camera body or camera housing.

Additionally, harness 1 e can have an additional tongue of loop materialsewn or otherwise attached to loop material 17 in such a manner thatallows it to be folded over tongue of hook material 26 after tongue ofhook material 26 is mated with loop material 17, assuming that tongue ofhook material 26 has hook material or hook and loop fastener (such asVELCRO®) lining both sides of tongue of hook material 26. Thisadditional tongue of loop material, once folded over tongue of hookmaterial 26, will further secure tongue of hook material 26 against loopmaterial 17 and further secure the attached camera body or camerahousing to harness 1 i.

Additionally, tongue of hook material 26 can have loop material on theside or face that does not mate with loop material 17 so that hookmaterial 20 can mate with tongue of hook material 26 when harness 1 i iscinched around a user's arm or wrist. Additionally, harness 1 i can havesewn or otherwise attached to it a length of hook and loop material thatfolds or doubles over tongue of hook material 26, further securingtongue of hook material 26 to loop material 17 when mated.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 j, coupling plate 10 can be replaced with atongue of hook material 26 that is sewn, welded, mated, or otherwiseattached to loop material 17. The hook side of tongue of hook material26 is facing down in FIG. 1 j and can be pushed through an extended bar29 or recessed groove and bar 30 on a camera body or camera housing andthen pushed through square ring 14 and mated with loop material 17 onthe underside of harness 1 j to secure a camera or a camera housing toharness 1 j in a manner that allows the camera body or camera housing tobe moved pivotably while attached to harness 1 j. Additionally, loopmaterial 17 can be extended to attach, by any means suitable forattaching two lengths of fabric together, to the underside of harness 1j to serve as a mating surface for tongue of hook material 26 andlikewise provide a comfortable surface for contacting the skin of auser. Patch 170 can be optionally omitted and hook ring 18 can besandwiched between the two layers of loop material 17 and held in placeby union 170 a and union 170 b. Additionally, comfort strip 16 and pulltab 21 can be optionally omitted in harness 1 j. Additionally, loopmaterial 17 can be double sided or double faced loop material.

FIG. 1 k illustrates an alternative strap or harness 1 k that can beused with an improved camera body 28 or an improved camera housing 32 toattach a camera to a user in a fixed flat or fixed upright position. Forexample, harness 1 k can be laced or pushed under extended bar 29featured on the improved camera housing 32 illustrated in FIG. 9 g andthen cinched around the arm or wrist of a user, thus securing theimproved camera housing 32 to the user in a fixed flat position. A viewhole 36 can be variably positioned or cut out of harness 1 k duringmanufacture or through user positioning so as to allow the user to lookthrough harness 1 k to see through the camera's viewfinder in the eventthat harness 1 k would otherwise block the user's view of theviewfinder, as could be the case if harness 1 k were attached to theimproved camera housing 32 as illustrated in FIG. 9 i. The view findermay also comprise a transparent material.

Note that in some embodiments, the housing may also include a view areathrough which a display, e.g., a 2″ LCD screen can be viewed. This viewarea may be exposed or covered with a transparent material. In addition,this area may also include an exposed or covered (e.g., pliabletransparent material) to manipulate the buttons associated with camerafunctionality, e.g., cycle through captured images viewable on thedisplay. It is also noted that the camera housing can be rigid (orsubstantially rigid) (e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.) or pliable(or substantially pliable) (e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene, etc.). Also,the camera housing can be integrated with or separate from the camera(or other device) itself. Moreover, the camera housing may beappropriately configured for use in various elements (e.g., waterproofor atmospheric).

Alternatively, harness 1 k can be laced or pushed through an extendedbar 29 located on the bottom of improved camera body 28 or improvedcamera housing 32, as illustrated in FIG. 9 k and then cinched aroundthe arm or wrist of a user thereby attaching the camera to the user in afixed upright position. Alternatively, harness 1 k can be laced orpushed through any combination of extended bar 29, extended bar 35, andor recessed groove and bar 30 on improved camera body 28 or improvedcamera housing 32 to secure improved camera body 28 or improved camerahousing 32 to a user in either a fixed flat or fixed upright position onthe arm or wrist of a user. Harness 1 k can alternatively be configuredfrom various materials including but not limited to e.g., nylon,plastic, metal, foam, polypropylene, webbing, rubber, neoprene, singleor double sided tape, laminated adhesive, and/or hook and loop fastener(such as VELCRO®). Additionally, view hole 36 can be alternativelyomitted from harness 1 k.

FIG. 1 l illustrates an alternative harness 1 l that incorporates anattachment pad 37 that can be sewn, glued, taped, stapled, stamped, orotherwise attached or made part of harness 1 l. Attachment pad 37 can bemade of a variety of different materials, including but not limited toneoprene, plastic, metal, rubber, webbing, nylon, double sided tape,foam, hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®), etc. One side ofattachment pad 37 can have an adhesive layer or laminate applied to itallowing a user or manufacturer to adhere attachment pad 37 and thusharness 1 l to a side of a camera or camera housing in order to thenattach harness 1 l and a camera or camera housing to themselves in afixed flat or fixed upright position. Harness 1 l can include viewwindow 37 that can be variably positioned by user or at time ofmanufacture or view window 37 can be omitted from harness 1 l.

FIG. 1 m illustrates an alternative embodiment harness 1 m of theinvention whereby hook piece 19 replaces catch piece 13 and is attachedto coupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b by stretching and pullingcoupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b firmly into anchor groove 19a. This allows hook ring 18 to be pulled onto hook piece 19 and rest inhook end 19 b, securing a camera in a first secure flat carry positionwhen a camera is attached to harness 1 m and harness 1 m is attached toa user. This embodiment advantageously allows the user to pull or pushthe camera into a second secured upright position for the purpose oftaking a photograph, stretching hook ring 18 in the process.

To return the camera to the first secure flat carry position the userreleases pressure on the camera and the tension of hook ring 18 willpull the camera back down into the first secure flat position. Hookpiece 19 can be removed from hook ring 18 in any of the embodiments ofthe invention to allow for hook ring 18 to attach to hook piece 18 orhook piece 38 (FIG. 8 n) in this alternative fashion to accomplish thisembodiment of the invention. Additionally, hook piece 19 can befabricated, molded, or otherwise created as one piece combined withcoupling band 10 a and coupling band 10 b and or with any of theirembodiments. Additionally, hook piece 19 can be fabricated, molded, orotherwise created in separate pieces or halves that are sandwichedaround coupling band 10 a and coupling 10 b or their embodiments whenassembled.

FIG. 8 n illustrates an embodiment of camera body 28 that has a hookpiece 38, serving the same purpose as hook piece 19 on harness 1 m,integrated onto the top of camera body 28. Alternatively, hook piece 38can be molded, made, fastened, glued, taped, or otherwise attached tothe top, back, front, bottom, or side, including corner edges, of camerabody 28. Hook piece 38 can be made of plastic, metal, rubber, or anyother material suitable for attaching to a camera or camera housing.

FIG. 9 n illustrates an embodiment of camera body that has a hook piece38, serving the same purpose as hook piece 19 on harness 1 m, integratedonto the top of camera housing 32. Alternatively, hook piece 38 can bemolded, made, fastened, glued, taped, or otherwise attached to the top,back, front, bottom, or side, including corner edges, of camera housing32. As an alternative, hook ring 18 can attach to camera body 28 orcamera housing 32 in any manner suitable for firmly attaching hook ring18 or any of its alternative embodiments to camera body 28 or camerahousing 32 in order to hold a camera in a first secured flat positionand then allowing for hook ring 18 or any of its embodiments to bestretched as the user raises a camera into a second secure uprightposition when being worn by a user using a harness of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 a, the invention can include camera body 28that has catch piece 13 integrated on top of camera body 28.Alternatively, catch piece 13 can be integrated onto the back of camerabody 28. Additionally, catch piece 13 can be integrated onto a corneredge of camera body 28. Additionally, catch piece 13 can have anadhesive coated side that attaches it to camera body 28. Additionally,camera body 28 can have an adhesive area that allows catch piece 13 tobe attached to it. Additionally, camera body 28 can have hook or loopmaterial, or hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®) attached to orembedded into camera body 28 on any side of camera body 28.Additionally, camera body 28 can have hook or loop material, or hook andloop fastener (such as VELCRO®) attached to or embedded into camera body28 on any side of camera body 28, replacing catch piece 13 or includedwith catch piece 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 b, the invention can include camera body 28that has catch piece 13 integrated into or within the top of camera body28. Alternatively, catch piece 13 can be integrated into or within theback of camera body 28. Alternatively, catch piece 13 can be integratedinto or within a corner edge of camera body 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 c, the invention can include camera body 28that has an extended bar 29 integrated onto the back of camera body 28.Alternatively, extended bar 29 can be integrated onto the bottom, top orcorner edge of camera body 28. As illustrated in FIG. 8 g, extended bar29 can be of any width or height and can be integrated into or ontocamera body 28 in any location on the back, front, top, or bottom ofcamera body 28, again including corner edges. Alternatively to extendedbar 29 being manufactured as an integrated element of camera body 28,extended bar 29 can be manufactured as a separate piece and can beglued, taped, welded, fastened, clipped, screwed, riveted, attached withhook and loop material, or otherwise attached to camera body 28. Asillustrated in FIG. 8 i, a plurality of extended bar 29 can beintegrated onto or into camera body 28 and again can be integrated inany location on the back, front, top, or bottom of camera body 28,including corner edges.

Extended bar 29 can serve alternate functions in the invention, forexample, functioning as a mating piece for hook 19, thus acting assubstitute for catch piece 13 or extended bar 35, when positioned on ornear the top or top back area of camera body 28, or alternately servingas an attachment point for a harness strap of the invention whenpositioned in the same location or anywhere else on the top, back,bottom or corner edge of camera body 28. In this way extended bar 29 canserve multiple functions in the same embodiment, allowing a singleembodiment of the invention to be used in a variety of configurationsdepending on user or manufacturer preference. For example, by serving asweave-through attachment points for harness 1 k to be woven through,both extended bars 29 in FIG. 8 i function in a manner that attachescamera body 28 to a user in a fixed flat position.

Alternatively, by substituting harness 1 j as the harness strap ofchoice and attaching it via tongue of hook material 26 to the lowerextended bar 29 in FIG. 8 i, the upper extended bar 29 can now functionas a mating point for hook 19 of harness 1 j, allowing the camera to bemoved pivotably from either a secured flat position whereby hook 19 ismated with upper extended bar 29, or released and pivoted into a secondsecure upright position for taking a photo. In sum, it should be notedthat that the present invention beneficially allows for a camera body orhousing to accept any variety of strap that allows the camera to attachto a user, e.g., an appendage of the user, in either a fixed or pivotingmanner as disclosed herein.

Additionally, variable placement of extended bar 29 in conjunction withstraps such as harness 1 k allow for camera body 28 to be attached to auser in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position. For example, FIG. 8 millustrates camera body 28 with extended bars 29 positioned on the backand bottom sides of camera body 28. By weaving harness 1 k through boththe back and bottom extended bars 29 and cinching harness 1 k around thewrist or arm of a user, camera body 28 can be attached to the user in afixed-angle or semi-upright position. Alternatively, harness 1 k can bewoven through both the back and bottom extended bars 29 and alsoextended bar 35 positioned on the top back corner of camera body 28(FIG. 8 m) in order to attach camera body 28 to a user in a fixed flatmanner. Alternatively, harness 1 j can be attached via tongue of hookmaterial 26 to the bottom extended bar 29 and hook 19 of harness 1 j canmate with extended bar 35, thereby allowing camera body 28 (FIG. 8 m) beattached to a user in a manner that allows camera body 28 to be securedflat in a first secure position and then released and pivoted uprightinto a second secured position.

The aforementioned and following examples of variable configurations ofthe invention are but examples of the potential variations and in no wayshould the invention be limited to the aforementioned or followingexamples of variable configurations of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 d, the invention can include camera body 28that has a recessed groove and bar 30 on the back of camera body 28.Alternatively, recessed groove and bar 30 can be positioned on thebottom and or top of camera body 28 or into or within a corner edge ofcamera body 28. FIG. 8 h illustrates that recessed groove and bar 30 canbe of any width or depth, and the bar portion of recessed groove and bar30 can be either flush with or recessed below the outer surface ofcamera body 28. Additionally, FIG. 8 h illustrates that recessed grooveand bar 30 can be located anywhere on the top, back, or bottom of camerabody 28, including corner edges of camera body 28. FIG. 8 j illustratesa plurality of recessed groove and bar 30 integrated into camera body28.

Recessed groove and bar 30, extended bar 29, and extended bar 35 can beused in any combination with or in any substitution of one another. FIG.8 k and FIG. 8 l illustrate examples of this. Additionally, recessedgroove and bar 30, extended bar 29, and extended bar 35 can be usedinterchangeably to achieve similar functionality. For example, FIG. 8 lshows extended bar 29 positioned on the top back corner of camera body28 whereby it can substitute for extended bar 35 as a mating bar forhook 19 of harness 1 j, or it can serve as an weave-through attachmentpoint for a substitute harness 1 k to be woven through in order toattach camera body 28 to a user in a fixed flat position when harness 1k is also woven through recessed groove and bar 30 in this example.Additionally, recessed groove and bar 30 can alternately be used as amating bar for hook 19 and extended bar 35 can be alternately used as anattachment point for alternative strap embodiments of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 e, the invention can include a camera body 28that has a female clip 31 integrated on the bottom of camera body 28.Alternatively, female clip 31 can be integrated onto the back of camerabody 28. Alternatively, female clip 31 can be substituted with male clip27. Any type of male or female clip, connector or union can be used as asubstitute for female clip 31 and male clip 27 and the illustration inFIG. 8 e is intended only for reference. Alternatively, male clip 27 andfemale clip 31 can be substituted with joining parts similar to thoseused to attach a wristwatch band to a watch piece.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 f, the present invention can include camerabody 28 that has an extended bar 35 integrated on top of camera body 28to mate with hook piece 19. Alternatively, extended bar 35 can beintegrated onto the back of camera body 28. Additionally, extended bar35 can be integrated onto a corner edge of camera body 28. Further,extended bar 35 and extended bar 29 can be partially or entirely of anyshape, including but not limited to curved, rounded, indented,semi-circular, circular, semi-oval, oval, semi-elliptical, elliptical,semi-square, square, semi-rectangular, rectangular, semi-triangular,triangular, or angular shape. Also, extended bar 35 and extended bar 29can be of any width or height and can be variably positioned on the top,back or corner of camera body 28. Alternatively, extended bar 35 canfunction as an attachment point for a strap portion of the invention,similar in function to either recessed groove and bar 30 and or extendedbar 29. Again, extended bar 35, recessed groove and bar 30, and extendedbar 29 can be used interchangeably in the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 a, the invention can include camera housing 32that has catch piece 13 integrated on top of camera housing 32.Alternatively, catch piece 13 can be integrated onto the back of camerahousing 32. Additionally, catch piece 13 can be integrated onto a corneredge of camera housing 32. Additionally, catch piece 13 can have anadhesive coated side that attaches it to camera housing 32.Additionally, camera housing 32 can have an adhesive area that allowscatch piece 13 to be attached to it. Additionally, camera housing 32 canhave hook or loop material, or hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®)attached to or embedded into camera housing 32 on any side of camerahousing 32. Additionally, camera housing 32 can have hook or loopmaterial, or hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®) attached to orembedded into camera housing 32 on any side of camera housing 32,replacing catch piece 13 or included with catch piece 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 b, the invention can include camera housing 32that has catch piece 13 integrated into or within the top of camerahousing 32. Alternatively, catch piece 13 can be integrated into or withthe back of camera housing 32. Alternatively, catch piece 13 can beintegrated into or within a corner edge of camera housing 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 c, the invention can include camera housing 32that has an extended bar 29 integrated onto the back of camera housing32. Alternatively, extended bar 29 can be integrated onto the bottom,top or corner edge of camera housing 32. As illustrated in FIG. 9 g,extended bar 29 can be of any width, height or thickness and can beintegrated into or onto camera housing 32 in any location on the back,front, top, or bottom of camera housing 32, again including corneredges.

As an alternative to extended bar 29 being manufactured as an integratedelement of camera housing 32, extended bar 29 can be manufactured as aseparate piece and can be glued, taped, welded, fastened, clipped,screwed, riveted, attached with hook and loop material, or otherwiseattached to camera housing 32. As illustrated in FIG. 9 i, a pluralityof extended bar 29 can be integrated onto or into camera housing 32 andagain can be integrated in any location on the back, front, top, orbottom of camera housing 32, including corner edges.

Extended bar 29 can serve alternate functions in the invention, forexample, functioning as a mating piece for hook 19, thus acting assubstitute for catch piece 13 or extended bar 35, when positioned on ornear the top or top back area of camera housing 32, or alternatelyserving as an attachment point for a strap portion of the invention whenpositioned in the same location or anywhere else on the top, back,bottom or corner edge of camera housing 32. In this way extended bar 29can serve multiple functions in the same embodiment, allowing a singleembodiment of the invention to be used in a variety of configurationsdepending on user or manufacturer preference. For example, by serving asweave-through attachment points for harness 1 k to be woven through,both extended bars 29 in FIG. 9 i function in a manner that attachescamera housing 32 to a user in a fixed flat position.

Alternatively, by substituting harness 1 j as the harness strap ofchoice and attaching it to the lower extended bar 29 in FIG. 9 i, theupper extended bar 29 can now function as a mating point for hook 19 ofharness 1 j, allowing the camera to be moved pivotably from either asecured flat position with hook 19 mated with upper extended bar 29 orreleased and pivoted into a second secure upright position for taking aphoto. Again, it is noted that the present invention is also applicableto other viewing configurations, for example, video or long-distanceviewers (monocular or binoculars).

Additionally, variable placement of extended bar 29 in conjunction withstraps such as harness 1 k allow for camera housing 32 to be attached toa user in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position. For example, FIG. 9 millustrates camera housing 32 with extended bars 29 positioned on theback and bottom sides of camera housing 32. By weaving harness 1 kthrough both the back and bottom extended bars 29 and cinching harness 1k around the wrist or arm of a user camera housing 32 can be attached tothe user in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position.

Alternatively, harness 1 k can be woven through both the back and bottomextended bars 29 and also extended bar 35 positioned on the top backcorner of camera housing 32 (FIG. 9 m) in order to attach camera housing32 to a user in a fixed flat manner. Alternatively, harness 1 j can beattached via tongue of hook material 26 to the bottom extended bar 29and hook 19 of harness 1 j can mate with extended bar 35, therebyallowing camera housing 32 (FIG. 9 m) be attached to a user in a mannerthat allows camera housing 32 to be secured flat in a first secureposition and then released and pivoted upright into a second securedposition.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 d, the invention can include camera housing 32that has a recessed groove and bar 30 on the back of camera housing 32.Alternatively, recessed groove and bar 30 can be positioned into thebottom and or top of camera housing 32 or into the bottom corner edge ofcamera housing 32. FIG. 9 h illustrates that recessed groove and bar 30can be of any width or depth, and the bar portion of recessed groove andbar 30 can be either flush with or recessed below the outer surface ofcamera housing 32. Additionally, FIG. 9 h illustrates that recessedgroove and bar 30 can be located anywhere on the top, back, or bottom ofcamera housing 32, including corner edges of camera housing 32. FIG. 9 jillustrates a plurality of recessed groove and bar 30 integrated intocamera housing 32.

Recessed groove and bar 30, extended bar 29, and extended bar 35 can beused in any combination with or in any substitution of one another. FIG.9 k and FIG. 9 l illustrate examples of this. Additionally, recessedgroove and bar 30, extended bar 29, and extended bar 35 can be usedinterchangeably to achieve similar functionality. For example, FIG. 9 lshows extended bar 35 positioned on the top back corner of camerahousing 32 whereby it can be substituted with extended bar 29 as amating bar for hook 19 of harness 1 j, or it can serve as anweave-through attachment point for a substitute harness 1 k to be woventhrough in order to attach camera housing 32 to a user in a fixed flatposition when harness 1 k is also woven through recessed groove and bar30 in this example. Additionally, recessed groove and bar 30 canalternately be used as a mating bar for hook 19 and extended bar 35 canbe alternately used as an attachment point for a strap portion of theinvention.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 e, the invention can include a camera housing32 that has a female clip 31 integrated on the bottom of camera housing32. Alternatively, female clip 31 can be integrated onto the back ofcamera housing 32. Alternatively, female clip 31 can be substituted withmale clip 27. Any type of male or female clip, connector or union can beused as a substitute for female clip 31 and male clip 27 and theillustration in FIG. 9 e is intended only for reference. Alternatively,male clip 27 and female clip 31 can be substituted with joining partssimilar to those used to attach a wristwatch band to a watch piece.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 f, the present invention can include camerahousing 32 that has an extended bar 35 integrated on top of camerahousing 32 to mate with hook piece 19. Alternatively, extended bar 35can be integrated onto the back of camera housing 32. Additionally,extended bar 35 can be integrated onto a corner edge of camera housing32. Additionally, extended bar 35 and extended bar 29 can be partiallyor entirely of any shape, including but not limited to curved, rounded,indented, semi-circular, circular, semi-oval, oval, semi-elliptical,elliptical, semi-square, square, semi-rectangular, rectangular,semi-triangular, triangular, or angular shape. Additionally, extendedbar 35 and extended bar 29 can be of any width or height and can bevariably positioned on the top, back or corner of camera housing 32.Alternatively, extended bar 35 can function as an attachment point for astrap portion of the invention, similar in function to either recessedgroove and bar 30 and or extended bar 29. Again, extended bar 35,recessed groove and bar 30, and extended bar 29 can be usedinterchangeably in the invention.

It will be noted that any of the stated embodiments of the invention, orelements thereof, can be combined or otherwise incorporated with oneanother to achieve a desired embodiment of the invention that is stillwithin the scope of the invention.

In addition to the aforementioned methods for attaching my invention tothe wrist or arm of a user, it is understood that any reasonable meansfor attaching, securing, or otherwise fastening a device to the wrist orarm of a user can be substituted for any of the above mentioned methodsof attaching my invention to the wrist or arm of a user. In addition tothe aforementioned methods for attaching a camera to my invention, it isunderstood that any reasonable means for attaching, securing, orotherwise fastening a camera to a harness or strap can be substitutedfor any of the above mentioned methods of attaching a camera to myinvention.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

Those of skill in the art will understand the wide range of structuralconfigurations for one or more elements of the present invention. Forexample, certain elements may have square or rounded edges to give it aparticular look. Further, particular elements of the present inventionthat are joined or attached to one another in the assembly process canbe made, molded, machined, or otherwise fabricated as a single elementor part. In addition, certain elements of the present invention that arefabricated as a single element or part can be fabricated as separateelements or in a plurality of parts that are then joined or otherwiseattached to one another in the assembly process. Certain elements of thepresent invention that are made of a particular material can be made ofa different material to give the device a different appearance, style,weight, flexibility, rigidity, reliability, longevity, ease of use, costof manufacture, etc.

Certain elements of the present invention may be configured to be biggeror smaller to work with cameras of different sizes. Further, certainelements of the present invention can me made bigger or smaller tobetter fit or adjust to people of different sizes or better fit overvarious articles of clothing. Elements of the present invention can besewn or otherwise attached to the sleeve of a jacket, shirt, sweater,pullover, wetsuit, glove or other form of apparel, thus integrating thefunction of my invention into the given article of apparel.

As further examples, the present invention or elements thereof could bebuilt into or otherwise permanently affixed to a camera body or camerahousing in a manner that permanently attaches the present invention tothe camera body or camera housing. In addition, a base plate, clip, orother part in place of coupling plate 10 could snap, bolt, clip, orotherwise attach the present invention to a camera body or a camerahousing, thus attaching that camera body or camera housing to thepresent invention with or without the use of coupling bands 10 a and 10b. Further, a base plate or other part in place of or in conjunctionwith coupling plate 10, or coupling plate 10 itself can have one or moresides coated with an adhesive or adhesive tape for securing itself to acamera body or camera housing, thus attaching a camera body or camerahousing to the present invention. Additionally, coupling plate 10 canhave hook or loop material, hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®), ora similar material glued to, laminated to, or otherwise attached to it.

As still additional examples, certain elements of the present inventioncan be made any color to give the present invention a specificappearance to match clothing, uniforms, camera color schemes, corporatelogos, etc. Certain elements of the present invention can be redesignedfor a different look, theme or to address a different consumer market.

In another example, certain elements of the present invention can beredesigned to attach or join with other elements of my invention in adifferent manner than described in the embodiments while providing asimilar function to those manners of attachment described in theembodiments. Coupling plate 10 and square ring 14 can be fabricated as asingle hinged part or element. Coupling plate 10 itself can be a hingedpart or element that is fastened or attached to loop material 17.Coupling plate 10 can be omitted from my invention and coupling bands 10a and 10 b are attached to square ring 14 or are molded or fabricated asone part with square ring 14. Coupling plate 10 can be omitted from myinvention and coupling bands 10 a and 10 b are attached to loop material17.

Another example includes, using a different clasping mechanism than hookpiece 19 and catch piece 13, including but not limited to an examplewhere hook end 19 b is shaped like a ball and catch piece 13 and catchcradle 13 d are shaped like a cupped receptacle for the aforementionedball shape. Further, instead of being shaped like dual bands surroundingthe camera, coupling bands 10 a and 10 b, or coupling band 10 a alone,thus omitting coupling band 10 b, can be shaped like one single wide ornarrow band of material surrounding the camera. Also, instead of beingshaped like dual bands surrounding the camera, coupling bands 10 a and10 b, or coupling band 10 a alone, thus omitting coupling band 10 b, canbe shaped like one single wide or narrow band of material surroundingthe camera with a hole or space omitted from a portion of the band ofmaterial for the camera lens to protrude from.

In addition, instead of using coupling bands 10 a and 10 b, my inventioncan include a sleeve of material such as neoprene, rubber, nylon, hookand loop material or any other material to grip, house or otherwisecontain a camera and secure it to coupling plate 10. This sleeve ofmaterial can additionally have a hole or space omitted from it to allowfor the lens of a camera to protrude from it. Instead of using couplingbands 10 a and 10 b and coupling plate 10, the present invention uses asleeve of material such as neoprene, rubber, nylon, hook and loopmaterial or any other material to grip, house or otherwise contain acamera which is attached directly to my invention without coupling plate10. This sleeve of material can additionally have a hole or spaceomitted from it to allow for the lens of a camera to protrude from it.

As another example, hook ring 18 can be any shape, including but notlimited to a D-ring shape, triangle, oval, square, or can also besubstituted with a single band or strip of any material including butnot limited to hook and loop material. Loop material 17, hook material20, comfort strip 16, square ring 14, and pull tab 21 can be replacedwith single sleeve 24 whereby single sleeve 24 is used to attach harness1 b to the arm or wrist of a user whereby the user slides his or herhand through single sleeve 24 and pulls single sleeve 24 and harness 1 bonto his or her wrist or arm and single sleeve 24 has an integrateddrawstring or a plurality of drawstrings that allow user to tightensingle sleeve 24 around his or her wrist or arm. Additionally, comfortstrip 16 can be of any shape, single or varying width, or length.

In yet another example, as a substitute to comfort strip 16 in thepresent invention, single sleeve 24 is attached to underside of loopmaterial 17 whereby single sleeve 24 is used to attach the presentinvention to the arm or wrist of a user whereby the user slides his orher hand through single sleeve 24 and pulls single sleeve 24 and harness1 b onto his or her wrist or arm and then cinches hook material 20through square ring 14 and tightens the present invention onto his orher arm or wrist in the same manner as described in one embodiment ofthe present invention.

Also, loop material 17, hook material 20, comfort strip 16, square ring14, and pull tab 21 can be replaced with a strap of any material withstandard adjustable backpack type buckles at either end of the strap,allowing the user to buckle and tighten the present invention aroundtheir arm or wrist. Loop material 17, hook material 20, comfort strip16, square ring 14, and pull tab 21 can be replaced with a standardwrist watch type strap and closure system that allows the user to adjustand fasten the present invention around his or her arm or wrist.

In another example, the present invention can be mounted on or otherwiseintegrated with a glove (or other article of clothing such as a coatsleeve or diver wetsuit sleeve) for the purpose of attaching a camera tothe glove in a manner that allows the camera to be moved pivotablywhilst being attached to the glove. The present invention can have abutton attached to it that mates with a mating button piece located on acamera body. Also, the present invention can have a button attached toit. Also the present invention can have a magnet or a portion thereofattached to it to serve as a coupling mechanism.

In yet another example, a camera (or a housing for a camera) used as apart of the invention could have either hook and or loop materialattached, integrated, or otherwise a part of the camera body for thepurpose of securing the camera against my invention or to an elementthereof. The present invention can incorporate a one way or two way orstage detent mechanism that holds an attached camera either in aclosed-flat position against the wrist or arm of a user or in anopen-vertical position for the purpose of taking a photograph, oralternately in both positions depending on the user's preference. Anyaspect or element of any one or more of the embodiments of my inventioncan be combined with any one or more aspects or elements of anotherembodiment of the present invention to achieve a desired combinedembodiment of the present invention.

As previously noted, the present invention includes a number of benefitsand advantages. For example, the present invention may be configuredfrom a lesser number of parts, and therefore, is more reliable due tofewer potential failure points and may be less expensive to manufacture.Further, the present invention may be configured using lightweightmaterial and may also be configured for attaching to a wide range ofuser extremities or appendages, for example, an arm, a wrist, a leg oran ankle, or even a non-appendages such as bicycle handlebars, hangglider control bars, a windsurfer boom, and so on. Hence, the presentinvention is advantageous for a wide range of potential users.

The present invention may also be adapted for a wider range of devicesof varying shapes, sizes and dimensions, and therefore, is suitable foruse with a wide range of devices that a user may carry, for example,cameras, binoculars, monoculars, video cameras cell phones, and thelike. Further, the present invention may be beneficially secured in afirst secured position (e.g., secured at two ends to the harness) and asecond secured position (e.g., pivotably secured at one end of theharness), and therefore, is also suitable for use in a wide range ofactivities.

Moreover, the present invention is advantageously secured whileproviding quick access for the user to the device attached to theharness so that the user can, for example, move a camera from the firstsecured position to the second secured position, take a photograph, andthen re-secure the camera in the first secured position. In addition,the present invention is advantageously configured so that the device,e.g., camera, remains secured to the harness even if the user is unableto return the device from the first secured position to the secondsecured position.

Accordingly, one of skill in the art can appreciate that the cameraharness of this invention can easily be used by a photographer to carry,access, and securely hold and use a camera even while participating infast-paced activities such as surfing, kayaking, rafting, snorkeling,skiing, and so on. Additionally, the camera harness of this inventionwill keep a camera attached to the wrist or arm of a user even if theuser falls or encounters some circumstance that forces him or her to letgo of the camera while taking a photograph. The camera harness of thepresent invention can be easily used with a wide range of camera types,sizes, and dimensions and can likewise be adjusted to fit a wide rangeof users. Moreover, the camera harness of the present invention may alsobe adapted for use with other devices, for example, video cameras,binoculars, monoculars, cell phones, personal digital assistants, musicplayers (e.g., Mp3 players or radio devices), game devices, and thelike. Further still, the camera harness of the present invention willallow its user to take photographs while participating in suchactivities that might otherwise have prohibited or made difficult theact of photography. While the above description contains manyspecificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scopeof the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferredembodiments thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should bedetermined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a camera having a lens and a view finder; acamera housing structured to house the camera, the camera housing havinga back, a front, a top, a bottom, and sides, the bottom of the camerahousing having a first securing structure and the top of the camerahousing having a second securing structure, the back of the camerahousing having a transparent area aligned with the view finder of thecamera and the front of the camera housing having a transparent areaaligned with the lens of the camera, and the camera housing including atleast one access area for manipulating camera controls such that thecamera is operational while enclosed in the camera housing; a harnessstructured to secure to a user appendage and to secure to the firstsecuring structure on the bottom of the camera housing such that thehousing is pivotally moveable about the first securing structure; and areleasable catch mechanism coupled with the harness, the releasablecatch mechanism structured for releasably coupling the second securingstructure on the top of the camera housing, wherein the apparatussecures the camera in an upright position pivotable about the firstsecuring structure when the second securing structure on the top of thecamera housing is uncoupled with the releasable catch mechanism and theapparatus secures the camera in a flattened secured position when thesecond securing structure on the top of the camera housing is coupledwith the releasable catch mechanism.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the user appendage is an arm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of the harness is integrated with thehousing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the harness comprises afirst portion of a hook and loop fastening structure and a secondportion of a hook and loop fastening structure, wherein the firstportion of the hook and loop fastening structure releasably couples thesecond portion of the hook and loop fastening structure.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the harness comprises a first portion of asecuring mechanism that structured to mate with a second portion of thesecuring mechanism.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the harnesscomprises a closed loop.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehousing comprises a clear plastic.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe camera housing is permanently affixed to the harness.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the user appendage comprises one of awrist, leg, or ankle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the harnesscomprises a first portion of a hook and loop structure and a secondportion of a hook and loop structure, wherein the first portion of thehook and loop structure releasably couples the second portion of thehook and loop structure.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstsecuring structure comprises a first portion of a first securingmechanism, the first securing structure comprising one from a groupconsisting of an attachment bar, a first portion of a button assembly, afirst portion of a hook and loop fastening assembly, a first portion ofa magnet assembly, a first portion of a clip assembly and an adhesive.12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the harness comprises a secondportion of the first securing mechanism, wherein the second portion isconfigured to detachably secure to the first portion.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the second securing structure comprises a firstportion of a second securing mechanism, the second securing structurecomprising one from a group consisting of a first portion of a buttonassembly, a first portion of a hook and loop fastening assembly, a firstportion of a buckle assembly, a first portion of a clip assembly, afirst portion of a hook assembly, a first portion of a ball and catchassembly, a first portion of a magnet assembly, and an adhesive.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the releasable catch mechanism comprisesa second portion of the second securing mechanism, wherein the secondportion is configured to detachably secure to the first portion.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the camera housing comprises one from thegroup consisting of a flexible housing and rigid housing.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the flexible housing comprises one fromthe group consisting of leather, cotton, vinyl, nylon, neoprene,synthetic fabric, natural fabric, plastic, and rubber.
 17. The apparatusof claim 15, wherein the rigid housing comprises one from the groupconsisting of rigid plastic, rigid rubber, metal, fiberglass, resin, andmetal composite.